Symptoms of cytomegalovirus infection and its diagnosis

Only some sixty years ago no one had any idea of the possible existence of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the human body . However, science does not stand still, and the infection was discovered.

Symptoms of cytomegalovirus infection can for a long time not manifest at all until the person's immunity is normal.

Bad ecology, strong antibiotics, stress, hypovitaminosis and malnutrition weaken the strength of the body, and it can no longer fight the infection. Cells grow to megacosms and lose the ability to divide.

Cytomegalovirus is one of the most common diseases. Many adults have antibodies to this infection, which, as a rule, do not pose a threat to others. But as soon as the body weakens, the causative agent becomes active. And since it does not have permanent localization, the symptoms of cytomegalovirus infection are not specific.

Basically, cytomegalovirus manifests itself as a common cold: increased (perhaps, slightly) temperature, sore throat when swallowing and runny nose. Inflammation of the salivary glands, enlarged lymph nodes, liver and spleen. There may also be a skin rash.

Symptoms of cytomegalovirus infection that distinguish it from a common cold are duration (no catarrhal disease lasts about a month and a half) and the development of serious ailments such as pneumonia, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, encephalitis, cytomegalovirus rhinitis.

In order to identify this disease, you need to undergo a thorough medical examination.

Diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection is as follows:

• Detection of the virus in the cell;

• Detection of intranuclear inclusions, which significantly increase cell size;

• Detection of specific antibodies produced by the body that can withstand cytomegalovirus;

• Definition of DNA infection in all biological tissues.

Cytomegalovirus infection and pregnancy

Unfortunately, cytomegalovirus is a dangerous infection for the baby's future. The virus is transmitted from mother to fetus and can cause intrauterine infection of the child, which in the future will lead to the developmental defects, disorders of the nervous system, vision and hearing.

If a woman had this virus before conception, then the child will also become its carrier, but, most likely, without any health consequences. If the pregnant woman does not have antibodies to cytomegalovirus, then she is at risk. During pregnancy, the body experiences considerable stress, the immunity decreases. The virus that enters the body begins to multiply rapidly and can lead to the development of a serious infection. During pregnancy, it enters the baby's body through the placenta, during childbirth - from the vagina, after birth - during lactation.

To hand over the analysis on a cytomegalovirus doctors recommend even before conception. Treatment of cytomegalovirus infection in pregnant women consists only in increasing immunity. Antiviral therapy during this period is not applied, as it is toxic and represents a potential risk to the fetus. If a woman has symptoms of cytomegalovirus infection, confirmed by laboratory tests, then pregnancy is only possible if stable remission is achieved.